Phill,
I bought the CAT headers in 2000 and installed them. Tom Hall wrote a Tech Tip
on CAT headers installation and how to "modify" them. An excellent article as
everything Tom writes is. I had to modify the tubes slightly on cylinders, 2,
3, 4 and 7 "slightly". I had to do more aggressive modification on cylinders 6
and 8. Additionally I had to slightly enlarge the bolt holes on 4, 5, and 7.
As the article says, do your modifications before coating for most pleasing
results.
A couple tips. I fitted the headers on the motor out of the car. It would be
difficult/impossible to do it with the motor mounted (still have to do a final
fit in car of course). Use smaller 5/8" plugs. Use internal hex bolts, or the
small head ARP holts. A normal hex head bolt will require excessive
"modication" to the header tube to fit a socket onto it. The allen wrench
works but is a PITA to do in the car and I wish I'd invested in a tiny palm
rachet or similar to do the work. Even making a small special tool (cut the
allen in half, use the ball head to do most of the turning) should be
considered if you wanted to do this job more than one time.
I will send you a picture of the headers off line. I did not coat my headers
and have been pleased with my hi-temp black paint. Don't forget to check Larry
Paulick's article on Tigers United for additional tips on installing the rest
of the exhaust system, including H-Pipe and performance mufflers.
Curtis Fisher
B9470844
-------------- Original message --------------
> I have got a set of CAT headers for my car, and would like to get them
> ceramic coated. Right now they are at my buddies place in FL, and I can get
>them
> done cheaper there than here in Canada. Problem is if I get them done there
> then bring the car home and try to put the headers on, and they need to be
> "modified" to fit.....ouch. I know the best way is to trial fit, then remove
> then
> wait for 2 week turn around, etc., still anyone have experience with the CAT
> headers and how they fit? Also what bolts do people use? I can remember using
> Allen head bolts on a 427 Comet I had because like the Tiger, there was not
> much room in some places under the hood. Any info is appreciated.....cheers
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